Wali Gandhi
Mohammad Waliullah, more commonly known as Wali Gandhi ',' was a Bangladeshi journalist, writer, and political activist. He was known for his involvement in the Anti-British civil disobedience movement in his early life and later for his long career in journalism and government service in East Pakistan.
Early Life and education
Mohammad Waliullah was born on 15 November 1904, in the village of Bauria, Sandwip, Eastern Bengal and Assam, British India. His father, Ramiz Ali, worked in Calcutta.Waliullah completed his matriculation in 1924 from Sandwip Kargil High School and his Intermediate in Arts in 1932 from Chittagong College. He later studied English Literature at B. M. College in Barisal. Between 1933 and 1936, he was schoolteacher in his hometown.
Political career
While a student, Waliullah became deeply involved in nationalist politics. He was a participant in the anti-British civil disobedience movement, which led to his arrest and charges in 1921–1922.Initially, he was heavily influenced by the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and joined the Indian National Congress. Due to his active involvement and fiery spirit, he became widely known by the nicknames Laalkurta and Wali Gandhi. Later in his career, however, he shifted his political allegiance and became an activist for the All-India Muslim League starting in 1937.
Journalism and services
Waliullah had a long and varied career in journalism, working for several newspapers across Burma, India, and what would become present-day Bangladesh. His notable associations includedThe RangoonDaily NewsStar of IndiaThe Orient Press of IndiaDainik AzadiDainik PurbadeshDainik IttehadDainik SangbadHis work as a journalist provided him with opportunities to travel extensively and meet prominent political figures of the era, including Mahatma Gandhi, Huseyn Suhrawardy, A. K. Fazlul Huq, and Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani.
In addition to his newspaper work, Waliullah also served the government as an assistant editor in the Information Department of the United Front and subsequent governments of East Pakistan from 1954 to 1967.
Literary works
Waliullah was also an author, primarily focusing on current affairs, journalism, and personal experiences. His published works include:Sanbad O Sanbadik Sekal O Ekal Phansir Mavche Bichitra Jiban Amader Mukti Sangram Yuga-Bichitra – A collection of his travel experiences.Bangladesher Abhyuday Sanbadiker SavchayYuga Bibartan O Jiban Jagar KahiniHis travelogue, Yug-Bichitra, was critically acclaimed and earned him the Dawood Prize in 1968.